Who Were the Victims of the San Diego Plane Crash?

In the early morning hours of May 22, 2025, tragedy struck the quiet Murphy Canyon neighbourhood in San Diego, California. A Cessna 550 Citation II, a small private jet crashed while attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The aircraft burst into flames after hitting power lines and crashing into a residential area. All six individuals on board were killed. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continue their investigation, the public has begun to learn more about the lives lost in this devastating incident.

This article honours the victims and shares their stories—real people with dreams, families, and communities now grieving unimaginable loss.

1. Dave Shapiro – Co-founder of Sound Talent Group

Dave Shapiro, a well-known name in the music industry, was among the victims of the crash. As the co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a major talent agency for rock and metal artists, Dave was a respected and beloved figure by many. Bands like A Day to Remember, Falling In Reverse, and The Devil Wears Prada credited him with helping shape their careers.

Colleagues describe Dave as fiercely passionate about music and deeply loyal to his clients. He wasn't just a businessman, he was a mentor, friend, and true believer in the power of live music. News of his passing sparked a wave of tributes from artists and fans alike, with hashtags like #RIPDaveShapiro trending across social media.

"He wasn’t just our agent—he was family," said one artist under his representation. "The industry won’t be the same without him."

2. Daniel Williams – Former Drummer of The Devil Wears Prada

Daniel Williams, best known as the former drummer for metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada, was also on board. Though he stepped away from touring several years ago, Daniel remained active in the music scene and had recently been involved in production and mentoring young musicians.

Fans remember Daniel for his explosive energy on stage and his down-to-earth nature off of it. Bandmates from across the years shared heartfelt messages online, noting his irreplaceable role in their journey together.

"He brought rhythm to our music and light to our lives."

3. Private Business Executive – Name Withheld Pending Family Notification

Among the passengers was a high-level executive from a private tech firm based in Los Angeles. Though the name has not yet been publicly released pending family notification, reports indicate he was flying with the group for a business and personal event.

Friends and co-workers have already begun leaving flowers and notes outside the company’s offices. One colleague stated, "He had a mind for innovation and a heart for people. It’s a terrible loss."

4–6. Additional Victims – Crew and Guests

The other three individuals on board included the flight crew and two additional passengers who were reportedly either friends or associates of those already identified. As authorities work to complete identification and inform next of kin, few details have been released.

Eyewitnesses from the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood described a fiery crash followed by rapid emergency response. Despite the severity of the incident, no one on the ground was killed, though several homes were damaged and at least eight residents sustained minor injuries.

Community, Grief, and Investigation

Local residents have rallied together, setting up donation drives and emergency housing for displaced families. Meanwhile, aviation experts believe that the foggy weather and low visibility likely contributed to the crash. Investigators from the NTSB are examining flight data recorders and air traffic communication logs to piece together what went wrong.

For now, the focus remains on those who perished, six lives, each unique and deeply cherished.

"It’s not just a news story," one neighbour remarked. "It’s a human tragedy. We feel it right here, in our hearts and our homes."

Remembering, Honoring, and Learning

As the investigation continues and memorials begin to take shape, San Diego—and the larger music and business communities mourns the victims of this catastrophic event. The hope is that by remembering who they were, and by learning what caused the crash, we can prevent such tragedies in the future.

If you’d like to support the families or those affected on the ground, local aid funds and verified GoFundMe pages have been set up. Even a small gesture can bring light in this dark time.

Stay updated: This is a developing story. More information will be shared as it's confirmed by authorities and loved ones.

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